University of Wisconsin - Extension

(YOUR TOWN) - It might not seem like it in the dead of winter, but the worm will again turn that backyard compost pile. And it's not too early to think about compost bins.

"Home composting activities, including backyard composting and vermicomposting, are generally regarded as a cost-effective, efficient means of diverting waste from disposal in residential collection programs," explains Mary Kohrell, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay/Extension recycling specialist. "Home composting decreases the public cost for collecting organic materials and also eliminates or reduces costs associated with large-scale composting of those materials."

Research in the U.S. and Canada shows that backyard compost bin distribution by local units of government is a very effective technique to help motivate the public to participate in home composting activities, says Kohrell. "This research shows that people like using backyard composting and vermicomposting bins, and upon receiving or purchasing a bin, people are motivated to begin actively practicing home composting."

In Wisconsin communities hold one of three types of bin distribution programs: a one-day sale generally held sometime in the spring; a pre-order, pre-pay program where residents order bins ahead of a pre-determined delivery date; or a combination of the first two options. Bins are sold at cost rather than having government subsidies for them. Educational workshops usually are offered following bin sales to help teach people about composting.

Several Wisconsin programs are making plans to hold compost bin distribution programs in 2001, Kohrell adds. In northeast Wisconsin, five counties including Brown, Manitowoc, Oconto, Outagamie and Winnebago and the Oneida Nation are making plans to hold a one-day event in April. Most of these counties will hold a one-day bin distribution system. They will work with Greenline Products to sell the Home Composter. Five counties in central Wisconsin -- Adams, Marathon, Portage, Waupaca and Wood -- will work together on a pre-order, pre-pay system.

University of Wisconsin-Extension?s Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center's 1995 publication, "Compost Bin Distribution: Setting Up a Community Program," contains very useful information for local programs that wish to develop a compost bin distribution program. It is available on the internet at www.uwex.edu/shwec/compdist.pdf or via U.S. mail.

A companion document, "Multiple Quantity Order Compost Bin Source List," provides a listing of companies that sell discounted price compost bins for community distribution programs. This publication is available at www.uwex.edu/shwec/multorder.pdf or by U.S. mail. For communities not interested in coordinating a bin distribution program, residents can be urged to buy or build their own bin.

The Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center web site at www.uwex.edu/shwec/publica.htm under "composting" has several patterns for building backyard compost bins, a list of companies that sell pre-manufactured compost bins, and information on vermicomposting. For more assistance contact Kohrell at (920) 465-2707.